During his first season at Southampton, Koeman’s team lost five consecutive games, they were winless in six, and heading into the next game faced the prospect of recording the club’s worst run of results in 57 years.

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A change of formation

Koeman has already shown himself tactically flexible this season, employing a variety of formations and systems in the opening nine games.

And with injuries depleting his reserve of players for that visit of Everton, the Dutchman decided that their set-up was key.

Southampton went 3-5-2 and ensured that, above all else, they were difficult to beat.

Everton, despite having the bulk of possession, mustered just three shots on target. One national newspaper report eloquently summed up the Blues’ opening 45 minute display as: “They neatly spread the ball around midfield but there was a desperate lack of thrust.”

But Koeman’s tactics and formation certainly played its part as they packed the midfield, frustrated Everton and made them pay at the other end.

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Gritted teeth

After the victory, Koeman reflected: “We were outstanding. As a team, the work was unbelievable and you need that to win games.

“It is not always about quality. The players showed how you have to fight to win games.

“If you show more spirit you are invariably more lucky. After the goal we had more belief and more confidence after losing four or five games. Hopefully we got some confidence back.”

Needless to say that Koeman will demand Everton play with more aggression than they did in parts against Burnley and try to shut off the supply lines to the Hammers’ playmaker Dimitri Payet.

His Southampton side had the will to win. They showed more desire from Everton that day. Koeman will insist this Everton side’s ambition eclipses that of West Ham’s.

An injection of youthful exuberance

Ross Barkley and Harrison Reed battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium on December 20, 2014

More out of necessity than design, Koeman handed a Premier League debut to 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Reed against Everton.

He produced a man-of-the-match performance and made 15 tackles - two more than the entire Blues team.

Indeed, five of Southampton’s seven substitutes were products of their academy as injuries forced Koeman to name an inexperienced matchday squad.

Whether Koeman, after watching a disappointing mini-derby performance on Sunday, will be inclined to inject his squad with Blues’ teenagers is doubtful but he will reflect on what it gave Saints that day.

“We had unbelievable spirit today” Koeman said.

“It’s always important if you change the system that the players feel comfortable. We had good organisation and the key to the win was winning the battles in midfield - Reed was outstanding and showed a lot of energy.”

A slice of good fortune

Martinez bemoaned: “It seemed the footballing Gods today had all the presents for Southampton.”

Romelu Lukaku’s 38th minute own goal (the third Everton own goal in two games at St Mary’s) helped cut through the lingering tension.

But as Koeman said, it merely set Southampton on their way to victory they fully deserved.